Responsible Re-Entry

What will the new "Norm" look like at Lake Norman? Huntersville, Davidson, Cornelius, and the greater LKN Region

The Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce is a proud member of the Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (CACCE). In 2015, CACCE named the Lake Norman Chamber, the Most Outstanding Chamber of Commerce in North or South Carolina for Chambers greater than 500 members. While we were excited to be recognized by our peers then, we are even more grateful to represent the businesses of Huntersville, Davidson, Cornelius, and the greater Lake Norman region today. South Carolina opened businesses back up today in a limited capacity and we hope to re-open business at the lake very soon.

The Chamber is already taking measures to make this a smooth transition for our local businesses. In the meantime, we want to pass along suggestions that were compiled by CACCE - our two state chamber of commerce association.

Responsible Re-Entry

Responsible Re-entry for a business should be as personalized as your mission statement. Your culture, your work force and the type or size of your business will be considerations when writing a re-entry plan and when determining when to move on to the next phase.

Consider the following before implementing the plan;

Safety and Health Costs

Sanitation and protection of employees/patrons may have a cost associated. Bringing employees and patrons back in phases may help off-set some of the cost.

Communications

Transparency and constant communication will be key for a successful re-entry. Communication alleviates anxiety for employees and allows them to feel empowered.

Conduct a *Survey

Use a survey to help with developing your re-entry plan. This survey should be used to establish who is ready and can come back to work. It can also identify any hardships on the employee which include, but are not limited to, lack of daycare, financial issues and mental stress. This survey should not be used to eliminate jobs or positions.

Responsible Re-entry Phase One

Returning Employees

Establish optional work plans.

Work remotely when feasible.

Return workforce in phases.

Develop alternating schedules/shifts between working in the office and working remotely.

Employees with a temperature greater than 100.4 F should stay home. Those who feel ill, should take sick time or be allowed to work from home for 72 hours.

Employees are encouraged to wear masks.

Wash hands frequently. Soap and/or hand sanitizer should be provided.

Disinfected personal workstations at the start and end of the workday

Building Access

Only employees should be allowed in the business. If applicable, limit/control the entry and exit door for employees.

Tape off the section/desk area to your receptionist at six feet or build a barrier.

If your business requires outside patrons/guests, consider the following;

Require or provide masks.

Provide hand sanitizer as they enter the building.

Meeting Rooms

Meetings should be limited to employees only. Meeting with others should be conducted virtually.

Close common areas where employees are likely to congregate or enforce strict social distancing protocols. These areas should be disinfected at the end of each day.

Sanitize all employee food and containers before storing in a common area. Food stored in a common refrigerator should be sanitized and placed into clear zip-log bags. A name and a date will be written on the bag.

Reduce the capacity number of people in a fitness room/gym. Equipment should be wiped down before and after use.

Close common areas where employees are likely to congregate or enforce strict social distancing protocols. These areas should be disinfected at the end of each day.

Sanitize all employee food and containers before storing in a common area. Food stored in a common refrigerator should be sanitized and placed into clear zip-log bags. A name and a date will be written on the bag.

Reduce the capacity number of people in a fitness room/gym. Equipment should be wiped down before and after use.

Continue to provide hand sanitizer to patrons/guest as they enter the building.

Meeting Rooms

Disinfected meetings rooms before and after each use.

Common Areas

All common areas should be disinfected daily.

Fitness equipment should be wiped down before and after use.

Travel

Resume normal travel.

Employee Assistance

Programs should remain in place for mental health assistance.

Other Considerations

Some companies are utilizing UV Boxes to sterilize PPE, laptops, iPads, etc. (Must verify before using on sensitive equipment.) Specifications have been received from the Kansas City Crime Lab and use 249 Nano UV bulbs.

*Sample Survey Questions

Are you comfortable with returning to work?

If no, list why.

When would you be comfortable with returning to work? (list dates if a date has been set)

Will you have a hardship with returning to work due to;

Child Care (many programs for the summer may be cancelled)

Caring for another family member?

Have you traveled outside of the region in the last 14 days?

Where?

Did you self-quarantine after your return?

Have you had any COVID-19 symptoms in the last 14 days?

Has working from home created a significant financial hardship?

Have you been around a person who you know has been diagnosed with COVID-19?

Email Sign Up

Helpful Resources

About The LKN Chamber

For 30+ years, The Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce has been dedicated to serving the needs of the business community in the greater Lake Norman Region which comprises Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Mooresville, Denver and North Charlotte.